Mom and Dad were married over fifty years. My Dad was quite the romantic marking each year with sweet gestures to his bride.
Earnie just sat in his recliner as he does every day. Mom told him happy anniversay and he reciprocated in kind. Drifting in and out of sleep as his oxygen concentrater pumps and swishes across the room. Mom pretended that was fine and she expected nothing more but I know better. No one remembered her anniversary. Such mixed emotions for me. I miss Dad so much. Who is this man that now occupies his space.
Mom & Dad were friends with Earnie & his wife. Each lost a spouse so the remaining two married. This is what old people do I suppose to not feel so alone. Apparently as our bodies change and wither with age our emotions and need for validation, human touch and other smushy stuff do not.
When Granny (Mom's Mother) would get exhasperated she would look at me and sigh "Oh Steffie, you'll be old someday".
I kick myself cause this is not about me. Mom has always been my biggest fan. Always been there to support me.
Finally I have been a Mom long enough to realize we all just do the best we can with what we know at the time.
I dash out to get a card. It is not much but I think Mom appreciates the gesture.
I am trying but I need to do better. Life is full of change. Time marches on. So it goes. kisses
